Switzerland for UNHCR is looking for a Strategic Partnerships Officer (New Business; French-speaking)

Location: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

Contract Type: Fixed-term contract | up to 6 months

Working Mode: On-site

Reporting line: New Business Lead / PPH Operations Manager

Start date: as soon as possible

Application deadline: 2 October 2026

Job description

This is a maternity leave cover for a maximum period of six (6) months.

The Strategic Partnerships Officer (New Business) will contribute to further develop and expand fundraising and marketing of the organisation, drive the strategy implementation, undertake prospect research and maintain the prospect and donor pipeline.

Working under the guidance of the Corporates/Foundations New Business Lead and in close coordination with the rest of the Partnerships and Philanthropy Team, the Strategic Partnership Officer will identify and connect with corporations and trusts/foundations in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

He/she will cultivate and manage the relationships with prospective donors and help secure income for UNHCR programs through the Swiss Foundation.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Initiate and participate in the development of specific new business opportunities with Corporates and Foundations, in line with the fundraising strategy.

• Develop proposals and pitches for potential new private sector partnerships, prioritizing high-value (6- and 7-figure financial contributions) and multi-year commitments.

• Research new prospects, deliver best practice cultivation and stewardship to prospects.

• Ensure an appropriate strategic and tactical response to prospects in the event of humanitarian emergencies.

• Keep aware of the fundraising and business environment and proactively develop new opportunities for UNHCR in Switzerland, appropriately influencing the organization to explore new models of partnership.

• Work within UNHCR’s due diligence screening policy and processes for Private Sector Partnerships.

• Monitor and track interactions with prospects and progress of opportunities through the tools used by the team (Salesforce-based CRM environment, active pipeline management spreadsheet).

• Support CH4U team’s efforts to position UNHCR as a “go to” charity brand for the private community in Switzerland.

Profile required

Experience

• 3 - 5 years’ relevant work experience

• Experience working for an International non-for-profit agency / organization is considered a strong asset

Education

• Graduate or post graduate degree.

Skills and Attributes

• Ability to use initiative, prioritize, multi-task, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines

• Clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates strong judgment and problem-solving competencies

• Excellent analytical skills

• Well organized and structured with high attention to details and process oriented

• Very good written and oral communication and interpersonal skills in a fast-paced multi-cultural and multilingual environment

• Good capacity to work autonomously as well as a team player

• Ability to interact with internal and external stakeholders

• Relevant experience in building solid partnerships with corporations, foundations and other potential donors

• A track record of securing significant cash donations from foundations, corporations and/or High Net Worth Individuals

• Knowledge of the Swiss fundraising context

• Exceptional presentation, communication and persuasion skills; able to convey UNHCR’s mission and impact in a compelling, concise manner tailored to a sophisticated philanthropic audience

Other requirements

• Knowledge, interest and a strong commitment for the work and mission of UNHCR and the refugee cause

• Excellent oral & written command of French and English; other Swiss national languages (DE/IT) are an asset.

• Excellent computer skills and knowledge of MS Office applications

• Experience in using Salesforce is a strong plus.

Company description

Make your next job one with purpose
Do you believe in a world where everyone has a safe place to call home?
Do you thrive in engaging donors, building meaningful relationships, and crafting campaigns that inspire lasting support?

We are not just another nonprofit. We are part of a global humanitarian movement, working every day to support people forced to flee war, conflict, and persecution. And we need passionate people like you to expand our impact.

Why Join Us?

• Work for a cause that truly matters
• Collaborate with a motivated, supportive and mission-driven team
• Be part of an agile and growing Foundation
• Get exposure to international humanitarian operations
• Enjoy a flexible and hybrid work environment

Switzerland for UNHCR is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds (including those who have personally experienced displacement) and are committed to supporting others forced to flee.

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